KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 23): The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) intends to strengthen relations with member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in promoting a Muslim-friendly tourism industry ecosystem in Malaysia.

Its deputy minister, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the close cooperation with the OIC will bring good returns as the organisation has great potential in attracting more Muslim tourists to the country.

"This is important as the international Muslim-friendly tourism market is projected to reach US$228 billion by 2028, which means the industry) is quite lucrative.

“We will lose and miss out if we do not understand and promote the Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem offered in Malaysia," he said in an interview with Bernama Radio on Monday.

In an interview at the fourth World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC) held in Petaling Jaya recently, Khairul Firdaus said the programme succeeded in building a cooperative network among all key players in the Islamic tourism industry.

"WICT also attracts the interest of non-Muslim industry players, a lot of expertise sharing as well as discussions aimed at the best approach in understanding the tastes of Muslim tourists and balanced with efforts to attract non-Muslim tourists," he said.

Khairul Firdaus said the Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem is to offer a conducive holiday that includes cleanliness, facilities to perform prayers and worship as well as access to halal food.

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